Israeli Puzzle

The "Mirabilis Effect”: Yossi Vardi’s ICQ Legacy

In the 1990s, a scrappy instant messaging service from Israel became an international sensation. A hundred thousand new users joined every day, and the young internet couldn’t get enough. The man who backed the company early, Dr. Yossi Vardi, knew the world was about to change when he first saw the software in action, but he never imagined it would change this much. This time, we will tell the story of the improbable rise of ICQ. How one company created a generation of tech dreamers and helped turn Israel into the Startup Nation. Guest: Dr. Yossi Vardi Host: Elad Simchayoff, Executive Producer: Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Producer: Nir Goraly, Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Shemer

Charity Turned Terror Army: How Hamas Happened

It began as a network of Islamic charities: Schools, clinics, and food drives serving Gaza’s poorest families. But within a few years, that network evolved into Hamas: a militant organisation waging jihad against Israel, the absolute ruler of Gaza, and the orchestrator of the October 7th attack. Born from the ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood and guided by an antisemitic charter, Hamas built an empire of arms and billions of dollars. It became one of the most powerful terror groups in the world, and it all started with one man in a wheelchair. Today, we bring you - The Origin Story of Hamas.  Join us for more on: israelipuzzle.com  Guest: Shlomi Eldar  Executive Producer: Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Host: Elad Simchayoff, Producer: Rom Atik, Sound Design and Mix: Assaf Rappaport

Sex, Sun, and Socialism: The Golden Age of Kibbutz Volunteering

In the 1960s and 70s, hundreds of thousands of young volunteers from the UK, Sweden, the US, and across the Western world came to Israel to live and work on kibbutzim. For a generation of idealistic, left-leaning youth, the kibbutz offered a rare opportunity: A living, breathing experiment in equality, community, and hard work under the Mediterranean sun. For many, it was an unforgettable chapter of connection between the Western Left and Israel. But that bond didn’t last. What began as a love affair gradually turned into disillusionment. The same cultural and political movements that once celebrated Israel’s socialist experiment now lead the campaign against it. Join us for more at: israelipuzzle.com    Guests: Professor Yaara Bar-On, Paul Mor, and Yoav Bril Host: Elad Simchayoff, Executive Producer: Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Producer: Nir Goraly, Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Shemer

Zionism and Racism: The UN puts Israel on Trial

In 1975, the United Nations voted to equate Zionism with racism. For Israel, it felt like an international indictment of its very existence, so much so that the Israeli ambassador literally tore the resolution apart. The UN's decision, however, was much larger than just Israel. Cold War politics, Arab alliances, and Soviet influence are all important parts of today's story. A story that ended with a surprising twist.    Join us for more at: israelipuzzle.com    Guest: Prof. Yoav Tenembaum Host: Elad Simchayoff, Executive Producer: Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Producer: Nir Goraly, Sound Design and Mix: Daniel Shemer

Partition: A Nation Decided

In 1947, the United Nations voted for two states living side by side in Palestine: One Jewish, one Arab. Within hours, violence erupted, and the plan collapsed. From British missteps to global lobbying, from celebration to war, we unravel the story of Resolution 181 and its enduring legacy that continues to shape the Middle East. Join us for more at: israelipuzzle.com    Guest: Prof. Benny Morris  Host: Elad Simchayoff, Executive Producer: Gusti Yehoshua Braverman, Producer: Nir Goraly, Sound Design and Mix: Assaf Rappaport